 VP-2 Mishap
1940's
MISHAPs: 27 OCT 44 A/C: PBY-5  Location: JAX, FLA Strike: BUNO: O8321 Cause: F/L, GRND Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [13MAR98]
MISHAPs: 15 JUN 45 A/C: PBM-3S  Location: Corpus Christi Bay, Area #1,Tx Strike: Yes BUNO: 01728 Cause: Nite navigation training:landing accident,hit channel marker #38: 2/major injuries, 7/minor injuries, Lt.R.D.Hotchkiss/killed, Lt.A.J.Brabenan/killed, AMM3c.J.J.Prey/killed, AMM3c.G.R.Olsen/killed, S1c.R.S.O'Hara/killed, S2c.J.J..Ventura/killed, and ACMM.M.P.Bye/killed Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [03OCT98]
MISHAPs: 10 JUL 45 A/C: PBM-3 Location: NAS Banana River, Florida Strike: Yes BUNO: 6545 Cause: Radar Patrol, last reported position was 25-22N 77-34W: Flew into storm, crew missing...Pilot:Lt(jg).J.B.White, Ens.Eugene Wendall Lavoy, Ens.Wesley Elliot Lavoy, AMM3c.James E.Eisley, AMM3c.Thomas A.Garner, S1c.John E.Hurt, S1c.Edward J.Wyatt, AOM3c.Thomas C.Oliver, S1c.Gene S.Boyer, S1c.Bernard M.Zlotwick, and S1c.Stephen Wororeck Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [03OCT98]
 In Memorial for lost friends...10JUL45 [Updated 19JAN2022]
MISHAPs: 05 DEC 45 A/C: PBM-5 LOCATION: Atlantic East of NAS Banana River, Florida Lat/Long 28-59-N 80-25-W TYPE: Search & Rescue Mission STRIKE: Yes DEATHS: 13 BUNO: 59225 CAUSE: Exploded in Flight [Side/Name: RP 49] GOTO: Memorial Page Contributed by Bob Woerner (former shipmate VPB-2 OTU- (Later ATU) 3) robertewoerner@cs.com
In Memorial for lost friends...05DEC45 6 aircraft and 27 men disappeared and the cause has never been established..." [Updated 04JAN99]
MISHAPs: 07 MAY 47 A/C PBY-5A Location: NAS WHIDBEY ISL NEAR RENTON, LK. WA Strike: Yes BUNO: 34004 Cause: LNDG ACC, CAPSIZED & SANK Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [13MAR98]
MISHAPs: 21 NOV 47 A/C: P2V-1  Location: NAS Miramar Strike: Yes BUNO: 69095 Cause: Hunter-killer exercise;31-55N 119-01W Spec errors: Pilot used landing light at low altitude for identification purposes. Pilot changed from contact to instrument flight, became confused as to direction of turn, as a result made correction in wrong direction. Analysis: Pilot took-off from USNAAS Miramar on scheduled authorized and routine anti-submarine warfare night Hunter-Killer exercise. Pilot proceed in company with three other P2V's and one PB4Y-2 to 32-12N 120-22W, at this point haven been designated as probable position at which target (sub) might be intercepted. Flight off all aircraft from Miramar to this position was uneventful and position was reached at 1732U with out visual or radar contact with target. At this time prearranged search plane was begun, in which pilot was assigned to search rectangular pattern ten miles by twenty miles at an altitude of 800-ft about this point. Routine radar and visual search was conducted by pilots and crew until 0210U. At about 0210, pilot informed co-pilot, who was flying the aircraft that he had visually sighted the submarine, that he was taking control of the aircraft. Pilot instructed co-pilot to watch instruments and started a descending turn to port in approximately a thirty degree banked turn. At 560-ft altitude, planes landing lights were turned on and plane continued in a descending turn to port. At 200-ft co-pilot notified pilot via intercommunications system that they were at 200-ft. At this point the pilot immediately increased angle of bank to sixty degrees and continued to descend. Co-pilot noting attitude and altitude of plane attempted to correct by applying full right aileron and right rudder.Plane struck the water in a sixty degree, wing down, nose down attitude at approximately 165-kts. Lt.Walker & Lt.Cmdr.Elliott were rescued by USS Pomoton which was cruising on the surface approximately 3000yds from point of initial impact. Nine men were not recovered. Crew: Pilot LCDR Kenneth K. Dalquist USN/Killed, Lt Charles D. Walker USN/seriously inj, Ens John A. Rowe USNR/Killed, Ens Vert J. Rogers USN/Killed, LCDR August W. Elliott USN/Seriously inj, ACMM Kennard J. Schuster USN/Killed, ACMM Frank L. Erwin USN/Killed, ARM2c James E. Manning USN/Killed, ARM1c Harry F. Ballman USN/Killed, ARM1c james H, Urry USN/Killed, and AOM1c William Leibelshow USN/Killed. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [15FEB2002]
MISHAPs: 24 AUG 48 A/C: P2V-1 Location: NAS Moffett Field, California Strike: NO BUNO: 39087 Cause: RADAR NAV; WHLS UP LNDG, FORGOT TO LOWER GEAR Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]
MISHAPs: 22 SEP 49 A/C: P2V-3 Location: NAS Whidbey Island, Washington 48-08-00N 124-45-00W Strike: NO BUNO: 122938 Cause: GUNNERY; PORT WING HIT BY RICOCHING 20mm. BULLET Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]
1950's
MISHAPs: 24 AUG 48 A/C: P2V-1 Location: NAS Moffett Field, California Strike: NO BUNO: 39087 Cause: RADAR NAV; WHLS UP LNDG, FORGOT TO LOWER GEAR Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]
MISHAPs: 22 SEP 49 A/C: P2V-3 Location: NAS Whidbey Island, Washington 48-08-00N 124-45-00W Strike: NO BUNO: 122938 Cause: GUNNERY; PORT WING HIT BY RICOCHING 20mm. BULLET Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]
MISHAPs: 18 APR 50 A/C: P2V-2 Location: NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island Strike: NO BUNO: 122451 Cause: SHOT OWN TAIL DURING AIR -TO-AIR GUNNERY Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]
MISHAPs: 05 NOV 50 A/C: P2V-3 Location: NAS Whidbey Island, Washington Strike: NO BUNO: 124273 Cause: HARD LNDG Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [17MAR99]
MISHAPs: 15 NOV 51 A/C: P2V-4 Location: NAS Kodiak, Alaska "...We were in a crash on June 15th, 1951 at the end of the NAS Kodiak, Alaska GCA runway, runway 25, I believe. Mr. Sevier, our PPC was killed, Bob Houk, 2nd Mech badly injured as was our Plane Captain, whose name I can't recall. The rest of us had minor injuries and returned to crew duty, picking up a new P2V-4 at the factory...WARREM, Phillip H. PhilWarren@prodidy.net..." [16DEC2002]
MISHAPs: 04 JAN 54 A/C: P2V-3 Location: NAS Iwakuni, Japan coastal waters of southern Korea (40 miles of the coast) Strike: YES BUNO: 127752 DEATHS: 10 LT Jesse Beasley, LT Fredric Traynor Prael, ENSIGN Paul Dominick Morrelli, ENSIGN Stanley Burt Mulford, ADC Robert George Archbold, AD2 James Frank Hand, AT3 Bruce David Berger, AO3 Gordon Spicklemier, AL2 Rex Allen Claussen and AT2 LLoyd Bernard Rensink. Milford and Rensink were the two recovered Cause: Engine Failure Contributed by David Beasley satchbsly@3capecod.com [26JUN99]
 "...Take a look at Lockheed P2V-5 Neptune - Patrol Squadron 2 "3 Cape Cod" Mishap Summary..." Contributed by Phil Fazzini phillip.fazzini@zoomtown.com [19APR2016]
"...The recent update (WebSite: http://3capecod.net/) marks the 51st anniversary of the disappearance of 3 Cape Cod with the inclusion of new information. After half a century, the American Battle Monuments Committee now includes our father, Navy Lt. Jesse Beasley, as a Korean War casualty (as they don't offer a Cold War listing). Further the ABMC acknowledges that he was awarded a Purple Heart, the Navy's Combat Action Ribbon and various other medals which have been withheld and have not been presented to our family. Thank you, Satch Beasley sonofanavyman@3capecod.net..." [15JAN2005]
"...The official report says engine failure, 40 miles of the coast. Milford and Rensink were the two recovered, the remainder are missing. Bu# 127752. Jesse Beasley 351146 Lt. was the pilot..." Contributed by WFI Research Group wreck1@localnet.com
"...I have created a web site to assist our family's continued efforts for closure in the death of our father, Lt. Jesse Beasley a member of VP-2 who disappeared along with 7 of his crewmen on the night of January 4, 1954. Would you please post this website address alongside my fathers loss incident in VPNAVY http://3capecod.net/. Thanks Satch Beasley sonofanavyman@3capecod.net..." [26DEC2000]
"...We believe we have enough information now thanks to everyone who has helped...David Beasley sonofanavyman@3capecod.net..." [07AUG2000]
"...We recently heard from a buddy of one of the crewmembers who had some nice photos of the plane - thanks!...David Beasley sonofanavyman@3capecod.net..." [03JAN2000]
"...I just received an introductory e-mail today from someone who was in VP-2 AND knew my dad and crew!!!!!...He should send more later - thanks!...David Beasley sonofanavyman@3capecod.net..." [20SEP99]
"...I'm still getting a few hits now and then. Got a really informative letter today - thanks!...David Beasley sonofanavyman@3capecod.net..." [24AUG99]
"...I am anxious to communicate with any Shipmates who may remember the crash of a VP-2 P2V-5 04JAN54.(BuNo 127752) The flight originated from NAS Iwakuni, Japan on a routine recon/ECW mission that took it into the northern yellow sea. I am in possession of some documents including the radio log. Briefly the plane reported "single engine-returning to base" and then "We need Aid" a few minutes later. They then reported the remaining engine was rough and they gradually lost altitude until ditching some 1.5 hrs after the first sign of trouble. The presumed crash occurred in southern korean coastal waters. The bodies of Lloyd Rensink AT2 and Stanley Mulford, Nav. were found a few days later far from the presumed crash site, both had inflated life vests and exposure suits and according to autopsies died of hypothermia. All documents point to engine failure as the cause of the crash but my brother and I are wondering if our father/pilot, Lt Jesse (Bud) Beasley, and crew (Prael; Morelli; Archbold; Hand; Claussen; Berger; and Spickelmier) were actually on a 'ferret' mission and were crippled by Chinese or N Korean MiG's. Any info will be greatly appreciated!..." David Beasley sonofanavyman@3capecod.net [27JUN99]
1960's
MISHAPs: 27 NOV 64 A/C: P2V LOCATION: NAS Kodiak, Alaska TYPE: Landing Mishap STRIKE: Yes DEATHS: 00 BUNO: 135610 CAUSE: "...I was on a half set - I had to put in 4 hours of flying to get my extra $28.50 for the month. I had met Mike Munz who was in Crew 9. He suggested I go with his crew that they were going up to Elmindorfh to shoot Touch-and-Goes. we went up there for a while and then we decided to come back. We were doing the same thing at NAS Kodiak, Alaska. The PC said "Full Stop Landing." We got to the end of the runway and we dropped the main mounts which got caught in the gravel at the end of the runway. They were pulled out so we bellied in and slide down the runway. The aircraft broke into three pieces and the engines caught on fire. We all safely exited the aircraft. The aircraft was totally destroyed by fire. This was about a month before the Good Friday Earth Quake. I didn't think I was going to get off that island alive!..." Contributed by JIM GOHEEN jtneehog@sbcglobal.net [11JUN99]
"...I have some pictures of Neptune V-9 CB-5 135610 with it's flight crew, including my grandfather Hugh C. Barr. I am looking for service information and where it was forced to land due to enemy fire over Russian Airspace. Where can I look? I would like to find a survivor that knew my grandfather. He passed in 2013..,." Contributed by Trudi Cooper-Rash tlrash@usd494.net [08JAN2016]
LEFT TO RIGHT: Hugh C. Barr Circa 1954 Kodiak and Hugh C. Barr Circa 1953
"...Silent Heroes - On November 27, 1964..." WebSite: Cape Code 12 http://capecod12.org/ [28SEP2008]
On November 27, 1964, 12 men boarded their SP-2H Neptune and lifted off from NAS Kodiak, Alaska to carry out what they expected would be just another routine mission. For these men, and others like them, the Cold War was exactly that - cold! And on this day, it would be no different as they headed for the waters between the US and Russia where this crew of silent heroes, later known as the Cape Cod 12, would search the icy waters below for Russian subs.
Very few people in our nation knew of these men, of their squadron, or the "24 hours a day, 365 days a year" sacrifice these men carried out silently in order to protect our nation - to defend our borders - to ensure our liberties at a time when the frayed edges of failed diplomacy were frightfully visible to the world.
The flight of the Cape Cod 12 was ill-fated. Just one day after families throughout our nation had sat down with their families for their Thanksgiving dinners and had bowed their heads to thank God for the gifts endowed upon them by His grace, these 12 men and their families made the greatest of sacrifices as they gave all that anyone could ever ask.
This is not the first web site designed to honor these men. Owen St. Clair, who was working at Cape Newenham as a young man, built and maintained a site for a number of years to honor the crew he called the Cape Cod 12. This new site is nothing more than an extension of his dedication to carry on the memories of these 12 men.
While some details about the crash are provided here, the primary purpose is to commemorate these men and remember them as fathers, brothers, sons, and friends. There is also a website that honors this crew and other men of Patrol Squadron Two who have given their lives in defense of our nation. You can view that site at http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm_f2008/wpsm_b10.html
"...On the VP-2 Mishap Summary page for the "1960's", the landing accident described by Jim Goheen has the aircraft Buno. for YC-9 listed incorrectly. Buno. 135610 was YC-12 and was lost in Nov. 1964. I don't have the Buno. for YC-9. Thank you, Fred Miller, (LCDR-R, Ret.) fredwmillerjr@cox.net..." [17MAY2006]
"...I have been in contact with Fred Miller and O. St.Clair. They have both been a great help. Thanks. Ruth Ann (daughter of Lt. W.A. Dotson) ramcafee@auburnabstract.com..." [13MAY2006]
"...I would like to contact "O. St.Clair" (his e-mail bounces). I would like to comment on Fred Miller comment about a "make up crew" for the flight of the BUNO 135610 that crashed Nov. 27, 1964 at Cape Newenham, Alaska. I am the daughter of Lt. W.A. Dotson ramcafee@auburnabstract.com..." [01MAY2006]
"...I would like to contact Karen Meyers who was the wife of Ltjg Rich Meyers when he was killed in an accident at Cape Newenham, Ak. in 1964. Rich and I started together as AOC's with Class 36-62. Rich was a great guy and helped me a lot. Karen and Rich were a great couple and helped some of us lonely types get through the rigors of training by including us in homecooked meals and other fun gatherings. I have hopes of obtaining a copy of Karen's 8mm movie of our graduation ceremony as we passed in review, etc. Larry A. Potton lpotton@sbcglobal.net..." [31DEC2003]
"...Myself and others will never forget that terrible day in November, 1964, when buno 135610 crashed into the side of the mountain at Cape Newenham. I saw the mushroom cloud of smoke, and later went with the recovery team to the crash site. Now, 39 years later, I am the manager of a website (http://www.msnusers.com/capenewenham) dedicated to Cape Newenham 794th AC&W and White Alice, and the people that were assigned there. Presently, I am trying to accumulate additional facts regarding the crew and buno 135610 on its last day so that I can write up an article for our website as this incident is still talked about by many of us. My intention is to post a worthy memorial of the crew and the aircraft on a special page of our website. Accordingly, if anyone has first hand or reliable information about this incident, please contact O. St.Clair at owenstclair@comcast.net..." [04SEP2003]
  Lost A/C BUNO: 135610 "...Location: 3 Mies Southwest of Cape Newenham, Alaska. Collided with mountain, 250 miles west of Kodiak. BUNO: 135160. CREW 12: LT L. D. Wilson (PPC), LCDR R. H. Walker Co-Pilot, LT W. A. Dotson (Fleet Wx Center Kodiak), LT(jg) R. A. Myers (Navigator), LT(jg) D. M. Smith (Navigator), ADR1 H. M. Ley (PC), ADR3 B. J. Crum (2nd Mech), AE3 T. S. Gould (Mad Operator), ATN2 Laugesen (1st Tech), AXAN M. McDaniel (2nd Tech), AN J. L. LYONS (3rd Tech), and AO2 H. Brantley (Ordanceman)..." Contributed by Guy Sexton Capecod2443@aol.com [Updated 12MAR2002 | 04SEP2001]
"...The Buno. for the 1964 VP-2 loss is 135610, not 135160 as stated. I am very familiar with the aircraft and the accident...it was my first aircraft and crew in VP-2, Crew 12, and on that fateful flight, it was being flown by a "make-up" crew, only Ltjg Wilson, among the flight crew, had previous experience flying in Alaska in winter conditions...but that's another story. Thanks, Fred Miller, (LCDR-R, Ret.) fredwmillerjr@cox.net..." [30JUN2002]
"VP-2 Summary Page"
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